Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 3:18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
Thought for the Day: This is my eleventh and final devotional on 2nd Thessalonians, and though these are familiar words to find at the end of an Epistle, I am still taken by the thought of wishing for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to be with everyone. I’ve got to think there were some among the letter’s recipients who had disagreed with Paul on many things. It doesn’t matter who you are, there are almost always going to be a few folks who get on your nerves, push certain buttons or simply hold a position that you find ridiculous. I believe this blessing of grace to all was a genuine expression. Too often we do not wish the best for those with whom we disagree or dislike. We’d like to see a little trouble befall such folks as it might give justification to our side of the argument. When a person offers a counter plan to our own, and then if fails, we get just a bit of joy at what appears to be cosmic justice. Instead of such feelings, we need to echo these words and wish grace upon everyone…not just those who like us and agree with us. By offering a gift of grace to everyone we create the possibility of seeing or experiencing something we otherwise would have missed. We create a culture of grace by which the grace we give is the grace we receive.
Prayer: Give me the courage and strength to release the grace that was given to me without condition. O Giver of This Amazing Gift, let me be a bit more like you in my giving. Amen.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY: Guide
Consider Giving A Gift This Sunday
